PTI Submits Resolution Opposing Cholistan Canal Project, Citing Sindh’s Water Rights
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the federal government’s controversial Cholistan canal project, submitted under the “Green Pakistan Initiative,” warning that it could deprive Sindh of its rightful share of Indus River water.
In a resolution submitted to the National Assembly Secretariat, PTI denounced the project as an alleged attempt to legitimize Punjab’s covert water appropriation. The party accused the federal government of bypassing constitutional provisions and ignoring Sindh’s urgent concerns.
Key Points from the Resolution:
-
Constitutional Breach Alleged: PTI cited violations of Articles 154 and 155 of the Constitution, demanding the immediate suspension of the canal project.
-
Council of Common Interests (CCI): The party called for a CCI meeting within 15 days to formally review the project.
-
Moratorium on New Canals: PTI urged a halt to all new canal projects on the Indus until a comprehensive audit is conducted.
-
IRSA Under Scrutiny: The resolution questioned the neutrality of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) and demanded an independent audit of its water availability data.
-
1991 Water Accord: PTI stressed that the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord, which guarantees Sindh 48.76 million acre-feet of water annually and additional environmental flows, has been sidelined.
Opposition Leader’s Remarks
Omar Ayub, the Leader of the Opposition, along with party leaders Zartaj Gul and Ali Muhammad Khan, accused the ruling PPP of hypocrisy—claiming to protect Sindh while allowing the canal project to proceed.
Zartaj Gul called the project “plunder in the name of development” and condemned PPP’s silence, saying it was complicit in undermining Sindh’s ecological and agricultural stability.
Call for Transparency and Public Involvement
The resolution urged that future decisions include meaningful input from Sindh’s civil society, elected representatives, and nationalist parties. PTI also demanded open public hearings and transparency, warning against any further closed-door deliberations.
PTI’s resolution escalates the political and constitutional debate surrounding the Cholistan canal project. With calls for immediate intervention and accountability, the issue is shaping up to be a key flashpoint in federal-provincial relations over Pakistan’s most vital natural resource—water.
